French archaeologists find a temple allegedly dedicated to the Roman god of battle

Under Julius Caesar's rule, the complex is thought to have served as a frequent stopping point for Roman soldiers stationed nearby.

In the northwest of the nation, archaeologists in France think they have discovered a temple devoted to the Roman god of war.

Figurines found near the excavation site in Rennes, France.

The archaeologists working on the dig were able to learn more about the massive Roman complex that was sprawled across more than 17 acres of land thanks to the discovery of the ruins of a sizable sanctuary. The temple is thought to have been built in the first century BCE. It is thought that the complex, which was discovered in 2022 at La Chapelle-des-Fougeretz in Brittany, once served as a station for Roman soldiers.

According to Françoise Labaune-Jean, an archaeologist and project leader at the National Institute of Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP), "the size of the sanctuary indicates it was an important place for religion," she told the magazine Live Science.

Hoard of Ancient Artifacts on the French Coast

Over time, La Chapelle-des-Fougeretz has become well known for its extensive archaeological remains. Archaeologists began to realize the size of the site and how much may be discovered in the 1970s. The site underwent its initial excavations in the 1990s, and excavations resumed in 2022 after a decade break.

Excavators said the complex appeared to be of a religious nature. after finding bronze sculptures of Mars, the Roman war god, as well as weaponry hidden in a ditch surrounding the sanctuary's border. This implied that soldiers frequented this location.

Excavation site in Rennes, France.

Nearby, other terracotta statues were discovered.

In 56 B.C., Julius Caesar and his troops, known as "Armorica" by the Romans, conquered the area itself. Archaeologists don't quite know why the site was abandoned, but they do know that it was in use up to the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

There were also rumors that the temple complex included at least 40 tombs containing gold and silver coins from antiquity. They were also discovered near jewels, swords, and even a horse harness.

Take a Look at these 2,500-year-old statues — possibly long-lost goddesses— unearthed in Spain

Archaeologists felt they knew what to anticipate as they dug into the gray-brown soil of eastern Spain. After all, they had spent years excavating one of the culture's abandoned sites while studying it for decades.

Archaeologists are reconsidering ancient Tartessian culture after finding human-shaped, first-of-their-kind reliefs in Guareña, photos show. Photo from the Spanish National Research Council

Archaeologists later realized they were mistaken as a long-lost face poked its head out of the earth.

According to a news release from the Spanish National Research Council on April 18, the archaeologists were excavating the courtyard of the Casas del Turuuelo in Guarea. The Tartessians, a prehistoric Spanish society, built a two-story, well-preserved building at the location.

In southwestern Spain, Tartessian civilisation flourished between the ninth and sixth centuries B.C., according to the World History Encyclopedia. The Tartessians, skilled in the metallurgy of silver, tin, and iron, rose to great affluence, becoming, in the words of the encyclopedia, "like an ancient version of the modern 'El Dorado,'" a mythical city of gold.

The Casas del Turuñuelo site as seen from above. The left-most room is the upper chamber. The right-most room is the courtyard Photo from Building Tartesso website

An article from Building Tartesso, the project centre for Tartessian excavations, claims that the Casas del Turuuelo was built by the Tartessians about 2,500 years ago. The impressive site is shown in photos.

The courtyard is the space to the right. According to a map from a 2019 investigation of the site published in the journal Antiquity, the room contains a hallway running along one side and a pair of stairs leading up to an anteroom that branches in three directions.

According to Building Tartesso, Room 100 is an upper main room with a vault and a stone bathtub-like structure that lies directly ahead of the anteroom. A smaller room can be found to the right. A complete set of ceramics, jugs, a cauldron, and a grill were discovered in the banquet room, which lies to the left of the anteroom, together with other leftovers from a feast.

Some of the animal skeletons from the mass sacrifice. Photo from the Spanish National Research Council

The building might have been a Tartessian temple or sanctuary. According to a research council news release, archaeologists discovered the remains of a complex ritual mass sacrifice ceremony next to the courtyard stairs in 2017.

Before the location was destroyed, burned, sealed with clay, and abandoned, sixteen horses, two bulls, and a pig were sacrificed there, according to Building Tartesso and the council.

Five human face reliefs were found by archaeologists digging in this courtyard, according to the April 18 news release. The first Tartessian human representations ever discovered, according to experts, are these statues.

Nearing completion are two of the 2,500-year-old sculptures. The statues, which feature two female figures wearing traditional Tartessian jewelry, could be of long-lost goddesses or well-known individuals, according to the press statement.

These two female figures are visible in photos posted on Twitter by the Spanish National Research Council. One statue is broken into multiple pieces and is colored like brown charcoal. The statue's eyes lack an iris and it looks straight ahead while sporting large earrings. The eyes of the other sculpture, which is yellow-gold in hue, are covered by a band resembling a crown.

Less was done on the other three statues. One was recognized as a warrior by archaeologists based on its helmet, while the identities of the other two are unknown.

Close up photos of the two female statues. Photos from the Spanish National Research Council

According to the release, experts have long assumed that the Tartessian people preferred to represent their gods as animals, plants, or sacred stones rather than as human beings.

Archaeologists are drastically changing and reevaluating their knowledge of Tartessian society in light of these sculptures.

The Building Tartesso project is now conducting excavations at the Casas del Turuuelo and other Tartessian ruins.

About 210 kilometres to the southwest of Madrid is Guarea.

Horses and Humans: An Old Relationship

Kazakhstan's Enduring Connection with Horses: A Journey Through Time

In the heart of Central Asia lies a country with a rich history that stretches back thousands of years, where the bond between humans and horses is more than just a partnership; it's a way of life. The Kazakh people have nurtured this unique relationship, and it has left an indelible mark on their culture and traditions. This article explores the profound connection between Kazakhstan and its equine companions, tracing its origins to ancient times and examining its enduring significance in the modern era.

A Timeless Partnership

Around 5,500 years ago, the Kazakh people embarked on a journey that would forever intertwine their destiny with that of horses. They were among the first to mount these majestic creatures, ride them, and utilize them as pack animals for transporting goods. But their connection with horses went beyond practicality; it extended to sustenance, with horse milk and meat becoming staples in their diet.

The claim that the horse was the core of Kazakh culture for centuries is not an exaggeration. The Kazakhs were Turkic nomads, leading a nomadic life in the vast Eurasian steppes, devoid of permanent homes or towns. Their wealth was not measured in precious metals or gemstones but in the quality of their horses and the adornments of their saddles, harnesses, and bridles.

The historical record is replete with evidence of the Kazakhs' deep affinity for horses. Archaeologists discovered a mound at the Berel necropolis in eastern Kazakhstan, revealing a burial site containing seventeen horses, complete with saddles, harnesses, and ornamental belts made of pure gold. These findings offer a glimpse into the reverence the Kazakhs held for their equine companions.

While Kazakh mythology, archaeology, and culture have long indicated their profound connection to horses, contemporary science has only recently begun shedding light on this ancient bond. A study published in Science Advances suggests that horseback riding originated in the Western Eurasian steppe around 5,000 years ago. This research is based on evidence from skeletal remains found in burial mounds, which provide insights into the early use of horses for herding, milk production, cultivation, and transportation.

Uncovering the Past through Bones

The study, conducted by a team led by University of Helsinki bioanthropologist Martin Trautmann, delved into human skeletons from Eurasian burial mounds. They identified six key indicators of horseback riding, including changes in bone morphology, stress patterns, and wear on vertebrae. The majority of these remains belonged to the Yamnaya people, further confirming their deep-rooted relationship with horses.

Although Kazakhstan's nomadic way of life has transformed into a modern urban existence, the legacy of the horse endures. The image of courageous equine warriors may no longer roam the steppes, but Kazakhs continue to hold horses in high regard.

Kazakh traditions are a testament to their enduring connection with horses. Children are affectionately referred to as "my foals," and the act of tying a rope made of horsehair around a child's feet upon their first steps is a cherished custom. Horses are also central to significant life events, with foals often given as gifts for weddings and childbirth.

Kazakhstan's culinary heritage is deeply entwined with horses. Dishes like "Beshbarmak," featuring boiled horse meat served on homemade pasta, and "kazy," a type of horse sausage, are culinary delights reserved for special occasions and honored guests.

In Kazakhstan, the bond between humans and horses transcends time and remains an integral part of their identity. As the modern world encroaches on their traditional way of life, the Kazakh people continue to honor and celebrate this profound connection, preserving the spirit of their ancestors and the enduring legacy of the horse. The relationship between Kazakhstan and its horses serves as a poignant reminder of the deep bonds that can exist between humans and the animal kingdom.

Horse serves as a source of inspiration for artists. Photo credit: The Astana Times.

Scientists and researchers can now enter the Amphipolis tomb

The Kasta Tomb, also known as the Amphipolis Tomb, in northern Greece, opened to scientists, researchers, and tour guides on Tuesday, nine years after its discovery. These individuals will be able to inspect the ancient monument and determine the best methods for its functioning.

These initial visitors entered the tomb's interior and examined the burial trench in groups of five, each with a guard or archaeologist by their side.

The well-known archaeological site is currently undergoing extensive restoration with financial assistance from the EU's Recovery and Resilience Fund. The site gained international media attention in 2014 after the discovery of the tomb from the late 4th century BC.

A Viking ship has recently been found in Norway

Using georadar, a Viking ship measuring 20 meters long was found atop a mound that was previously thought to be empty. Archaeologist Håkon Reiersen calls this discovery "spectacular" and "a revelation about the earliest Viking kings."

During explorations and excavations in Karmøy in June last year, archaeologists discovered a new Viking ship in an old burial mound, as well as uncovered new information about the Storhaug ship which was discovered in the 1880s. Karmøy can now boast of being the home of three Viking ships. (Photo: Museum of Archaeology, University of Stavanger)

When excavating the Salhushaugen gravemound in Karmy, Western Norway, just over a century ago, archaeologist Haakon Shetelig was devastated not to locate a Viking ship.

The area where Grnhaugskipet was discovered had earlier seen Shetelig uncover a wealthy Viking ship tomb and the renowned Oseberg ship, the largest and best-preserved remaining Viking ship, in 1904. He only discovered 15 wooden spades and a few arrowheads at Salshaugen.

Haakon Shetelig excavated the Salhushaugen mound in 1906 and 1912. (Photo: University Museum of Bergen. Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0)

He was very upset that nothing more was done with the mound, according to Håkon Reiersen, an archaeologist at the University of Stavanger's Museum of Archaeology.

But it turned out that Shetelig just did not delve far enough.

The Storhaug ship burial as it might have appeared in 779. (Illustration: Eva Gjerde (c) Museum of Archaeology, University of Stavanger)

The decision to utilize ground-penetrating radar, also known as georadar—a device that uses radio waves to map out what is beneath the surface of the ground—to search the area was made by archaeologists around a year ago, in June 2022.

And lo, there it was—the shape of a Viking ship.

Exactly in the center of the mound

To complete their research and excavations at the time and increase their confidence in their findings, the archaeologists initially kept the discovery a secret.

"We've been working on this for a year, so we feel pretty confident about our findings," adds Reiersen, who served as the project manager for the field work.

Although publications have not yet been released, Reiersen claims that the georadar survey data is fairly clear.

"The outline of a 20-meter-long ship is clearly visible in the georadar signals. It is fairly broad and resembles the Oseberg ship, he claims.

The Oseberg ship measures just over 5 meters in width and roughly 22 meters in length.

Furthermore, the ship-shaped signs are situated precisely where the burial ship would have been—in the mound's center. The burial ship is the most plausible candidate as the cause of the incident.

The three Viking ship burial mounds at Karmøy. (Illustration: Museum of Archaeology, University of Stavanger)

The ship is also reminiscent to the Storhaug ship, another Viking ship discovered on Karmy in 1886, and of discoveries made in conjunction with its excavation.

Shetelig discovered a sizable round stone slab that may have served as a sacrifice altar. This links it to the Storhaug ship in time because a slab quite identical to it was discovered in the Storhaug mound, according to Reiersen.

There were at least three Viking ships in the same area

With the most recent discovery, Karmy, a historically significant location for more than three thousand years on Norway's southwest coast, can now boast three Viking ships.

The Storhaug ship was used for a ship burial ten years after it was built in 770.

The Grnhaug ship was buried 15 years after it was built in 780.

The newest addition, the Salhushaug ship, has not yet been authenticated or dated, but archaeologists believe it to be from the same time period as the other ships, the late 700s.

To analyze the conditions and maybe obtain a more accurate dating, the archaeologists intend to do a verification dig.

"All that we have seen so far is the ship's shape. It's possible that when we open up, what's left of the ship is only an imprint and not much of it has been retained, warns Reiersen.

It's unclear when an exploratory excavation might take place.

Before Shetelig's excavation, the Salhushaug mound had a diameter of around 50 meters and a height of 5 to 6 meters.

“It was enormous! Of course, most of this is gone, but what's left is a plateau, which is usually the most interesting section of the mound.” According to Reiersen, we believe that there are still items there to be discovered.

The Storhaug mound was never looted, says archaeologist Håkon Reiersen. We know this partly due to observations during excavations in the 1880s, but also because so many valuable items were found – such as this gold arm ring and a spectacular set of game pieces made of glass and amber. (Photo: Annette Øvrelid, Museum of Archaeology, University of Stavanger)

Home of the earliest Viking kings

According to Reiersen, the three Viking ship tombs near Karmy are evidence that this is where the first Viking rulers resided.

Excavated around 120 years ago, the tombs of the more well-known Viking ships Oseberg and Gokstad are dated to between 900 and 834 for Oseberg and 900 for Gokstad, respectively.

This is the largest constellation of ship burial mounds known to exist, according to Reiersen.

"This is the region of the nation where events took place during the early Viking Age. According to him, here is where the tradition of Scandinavian ship graves originated before spreading to other regions of the nation.

Ship traffic on the west coast was governed by the local kingdoms in this region. Ships were compelled to travel along the Nordvegen, or "way to the north," across the constricting Karmsund Strait. That's where the country's name, Norway, also comes from.

The three Viking ships of Karmy contained the remains of three mighty rulers who ruled over a region of Norway for thousands of years. The Viking King Harald Fairhair, who is credited with unifying Norway about the year 900, lived at the settlement of Avaldsnes in Karmy.

The first sail-equipped Viking ship?

The only Viking Age tomb from Norway where a gold arm ring has been discovered is the Storhaug mound. Not just anyone was interred here, claims Reiersen.

Massimiliano Ditta holds up a part of the Storhaug ship which was found in 1974.

Massimiliano Ditta, a PhD student, has examined all the artifacts and paperwork from the Storhaug ship excavation in 1886–1887 in addition to discovering a new Viking ship. He has revealed that what was once thought to be a rowing ship was actually a sailing ship using new analytical techniques.

Along with other elements, the Storhaug ship's keel and what appear to be pieces of the yard from the top of the sail point in this direction. Although Ditta's investigations have not yet been published, Reiersen is confident that his discoveries will change what is known about the Storhaug ship.

The Oseberg ship is currently thought to be the earliest sail-equipped Viking ship. It will be necessary to reevaluate this fact if Ditta and Reiersen are right.

A great discovery

Jan Bill, a professor and archaeologist, calls it a "magnificent find." He oversees the Viking Ship Collection at the University of Oslo's Museum of Cultural History.

With two ship burial mounds situated in the exact same spot, Karmy has always stood out as exceptional, so the discovery of a third ship just strengthens the sense that something special is happening in this location, according to Bill.

Surveying locations using georadar has yielded a lot of interesting finds in recent years, among them a few Viking ships. (Photo: Museum of Archaeology, University of Stavanger)

Additionally, he supports the investigation of the Storhaug ship as a potential sailing vessel.

We've had conflicting information about this ship, so if this new research can clear things up, that's fantastic, he says.

However, Bill questions whether the practice of ship burials originated in Karmy, noting older instances from England and Estonia.

Bill notes that it is unclear whether the Storhaug ship is the first Viking ship to have sails because the Gjellestad Viking ship, which was discovered a few years ago, has not yet been dated but may be from the same time period.

A brand-new Viking ship in a trend

Project manager for the excavation of the Gjellestad Viking ship in 2020 and 2021 was archaeologist Christian Løchsen Rødsrud. A few years ago, the ship was initially located using georadar. The ship was in terrible condition, and excavations needed to be done as soon as possible to conserve the remains, according to the preliminary investigations.

According to Løchsen Rødsrud, "This new find is part of a series of new ship finds during recent years," though he adds that because he hasn't seen the geophysical images, he can't speculate too much about what they could represent.

The archaeologist claims that Gjellestad was the first ship to be found using georadar.

Recent georadar discoveries in Edøy in Western Norway, Borre in Eastern Norway, and potentially Jarlsberg in the same region have led to the discovery of further Viking ships.

"Our work seems to have opened up for a new generation of archaeologists who are again focusing on these burial mounds," he claims.

Even though Viking ship remnants are being found by Norwegian archaeologists, excavation of these sites is not certain.

The choice about the ship discovered in Borre, according to Løchsen Rødsrud, is to hold off until the Gjellestad ship's construction is complete.

The government chose to invest money in Gjellestad because it was the first. I don't want to guess right now about the political environment surrounding funding for additional ship burial digs, the man says.

Since this discovery is located in a different region of the nation and belongs to a different museum, he continues, "they might have a strong interest in opening things up so they can get a sense of the conditions, and maybe an option might be funding from the private sector."

Girl who was metal detecting in a Danish cornfield discovered "very rare" 1,000-year-old Viking coins

A museum announced Thursday that almost 300 silver coins that are thought to be over 1,000 years old have been found close to a Viking fortification site in northwest Denmark.

The silver coins were found about five miles from the Fyrkat Viking ringfort near the town of Hobro.

A little girl who was metal detecting in a cornfield last autumn discovered the unique collection, which was hidden in two locations not far apart.

"A hoard like this is very rare," said Lars Christian Norbach, director of the North Jutland museum where the artifacts will be shown, to AFP.

Near the town of Hobro, five kilometers from the Fyrkat Viking ringfort, silver coins were discovered. Notably, they are thought to be from the 980s because they both bear cross inscriptions, according to the museum.

According to archaeologists, the cache contains Danish, Arab, and Germanic coins as well as jewelry made in Scotland or Ireland.

The discoveries, according to Norbach, date from the same time as the fort, which King Harald Bluetooth erected, and will provide more light on the Vikings' past.

"The two silver treasures in and of themselves represent an absolutely fantastic story, but to find them buried in a settlement just eight kilometers from Harald Bluetooth's Viking castle Fyrkat is incredibly exciting," said museum archaeologist and curator Torben Trier Christiansen.

King Harald probably introduced the cross coins as propaganda in connection with his Christianization of the Danes because his earlier coins did not have a cross, according to the museum.

According to Norbach, there may be a connection between the treasure, which the Vikings would bury during battle, and the fort that burned down about the same time.

After the harvest, according to archaeologists, they will begin digging in the fall.

King Harald likely introduced the cross coins as propaganda in connection with his Christianization of the Danes, the museum said.

They want to locate the former owners of the troves' graves and residences.

The Vikings had the view that burying their treasure would enable them to recover it after passing away.

The Aalborg Historical Museum will start displaying the artifacts to the public in July.

The amount of the financial reward that will be given to the girl who made the discovery has not been made public.

Digs uncover the hunter-gatherer past of Dartmoor

Small fragments of stone that reveal information about Dartmoor's hunter-gatherer past have been found during a five-week archaeological dig program.

According to scientists, the fragments may help us learn more about the people who inhabited the area more than 10,000 years ago.

Emma Stockley is leading the project

According to the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA), they have been discovered in several places.

The project's coordinator, Emma Stockley, claimed that the flint bits provide "tantalizing clues" about the past.

They are believed to be from the Mesolithic era, which lasted from 10,000 to 4,000 BC.

According to DNPA, this was the time when trees began to expand throughout Dartmoor as a result of the climate's rapid warming after the end of the Ice Age.

Up to 50 volunteers have been involved with the digs

It is known that people once engaged in small-group hunting for wild animals like deer and wild auroch cattle as well as gathering berries and nuts.

Workers on the project have been searching for signs of the equipment they used and the waste they left behind.

"I've always been fascinated by the idea of Mesolithic hunter-gatherers on Dartmoor and the tantalizing hints that these tiny pieces of flint or chert offer us about how communities lived and used the surrounding landscape," said Ms. Stockley, a PhD candidate at the University of Leicester and former DNPA employee.

Visitors may be utterly ignorant of this key phase in Dartmoor's past because the archaeology from this era is considerably less visible than that from later periods on Dartmoor.

The digs have found fragments of tools used more than 10,000 years ago

The project has also involved a group of 50 volunteers.

Dr. Lee Bray, an archaeologist from the DNPA, stated that Emma's research "will not only add to our understanding of this significant period in Dartmoor's human past, but it will also help us develop techniques for managing Dartmoor's archaeological heritage so the landscape is better understood, valued, and cared for."

The 10 Strangest Philosophical Theories

Although many people think that philosophy is a "useless study" or "waste of time," it is definitely an amazing way to cloud the mind. It is one thing to be confused by someone else, but quite another to confuse yourself. Who is not happy when they manage to think so hard about something that it literally makes their head hurt?

Below are some of the strangest philosophical theories. Some of them make some sense, while others seem completely absurd. Of course, they all make some sense if you look at the social background of the time in which they were formulated. As the great Cicero once said, "There is nothing so absurd that it has not been said by some philosopher."

1. Idealism

The theory of idealism holds that there are no fundamental beliefs. Instead, our beliefs exist in a system of internally connected perceptions. With this theory, one can eventually conclude that no one's beliefs are more important than anyone else's. Ultimately, this theory is completely circular. If a particular belief is true because it is coherent or fits many people, to whom is it coherent? Unfortunately, there is no objective answer to this. In the end, one is left in an infinite loop.

2. Theory of innate ideas

The theory of innate ideas states that the mind is already endowed with ideas and knowledge. This theory was developed to refute John Locke's idea that the human mind is a "tabula rasa," i.e., a blank paper that is filled with experiences throughout life. So the theory of innate ideas says that we already knew simple mathematical truths, e.g., that 1+1 = 2, and other truths about God. But if this theory is correct, then why do people find it difficult to add larger numbers (like 1298+9831). And if we have these innate beliefs, why doesn't everyone believe in religious beliefs? And how do we know we will ever learn something new? Is it just something we already knew and just memorized?

3. Zoism

Zoism states that the soul and spirit exist not only in humans and animals, but also in objects such as stones, plants, lightning, mountains, and others. Many claim that zoism is used only in cultures where society and religious beliefs are not heavily based on science and mathematics. Many skeptics declare that the philosophy of animalism is only used to provide answers to unanswered questions. But most would find it hard to believe that the stone in the ground has a soul of its own.

4. Logical Atomism

Logical atomism was promoted by Bertrand Russell and states that the world is made up of logical data (atoms) that cannot be "broken down" into smaller parts. It also claims that all truths are based on a layer of individual data. Consequently, the theory claims that language reflects reality. And it is based on the fact that the world consists of data that is extremely simple and easy to understand.

5. Decomposition

Named after Jacques Derrida, this theory states that there is no specific meaning when you read a text. Instead, a text has many different interpretations. The theory also states that someone reading a literary text decides for themselves what meaning what they read has. Although it contains some testable ideas, this theory renders literature meaningless. If you keep reducing the meaning of something, it ends up being meaningless. And if it is we who determine the meaning of something, how can anything ever be misunderstood?

6. Phenomenalism

Phenomenalism states that physical objects do not exist as such, but only as perceptual phenomena. This means that we cannot know if something is true beyond what we can perceive and confirm. Although this theory sounds interesting, it has its pitfalls. What do we define as "confirmed"? And what about mathematics? Mathematics is undoubtedly true and does not need aesthetic perception.

7. Ethical egoism

Ethical egoism states that every moral being should do what is in his or her own best interest. Basically, it is necessary and sufficient for an action to be morally right in order to maximize the interests of all. This means that we act on the basis of a certain morality, and that these actions are right because of our self-interest. The theory essentially states that it is right to steal money because it serves one's self-interest and brings a high reward.

8. Moral absolutism

The theory states that there is absolute right and wrong and that it depends on the context of the action. This raises one of the most popular philosophical questions? Is it okay to lie for the greater good? Suppose you told a lie to save a life. Is that morally wrong simply because it's a lie? Who knows, it never ends.

9. Neutral Monism

Neutral monism states that the spiritual and the physical are not two completely different things. Instead, it holds that the body and mind are made of the same substance, which is neither mental or physical. The theory assumes that the mind is "real" and relies heavily on the mental faculties.

10. Solipsism

Solipsism is a philosophical theory that states that although a person knows nothing, he/she exists and that the self is the only thing that exists. In general terms, solipsism expresses the belief that what one believes is the only true thing. This is extremely egocentric.

20 wise words of philosopher Socrates to remember

He is considered the greatest classical Greek philosopher and one of the founders of Western philosophy. Socrates was the son of the Athenian Sophroniscus and Phainarete. When he grew up, like most young people of that time, he followed the profession of his father, who was a stonemason. Thus, Socrates turned to sculpture. In his philosophical research, Socrates analyzed questions of society, politics and even religion. Gradually, he gained fame and, consequently "followers", as his "lessons" were held in all parts of the city. His contribution to philosophy was so great that he became a "landmark of the ages", since all philosophers before him were called "pre-Socratics"”

Socrates, who lived up to his name, went down in history not only for his words, but left a strong legacy for the future of philosophy. This was a generation of disciples who spread, developed, and even challenged his words. The Athenians, Plato and Antisthenes, Euclid, Megareus, Phaedon of Ilia, and many others were the next "generation" of philosophers who further developed philosophy and founded philosophical schools in many parts of Greece. But there came a time when his city, Athens, felt that the great philosopher was corrupting the youth with his analyses and leading them to question the gods and the institutions. Thus, he was put on trial. In this trial, the Athenians sentenced Socrates to death and forced him to drink hemlock. But strange as it may seem to us, given the greatness of this man, this trial was perfectly legal and perhaps not so unjust. Despite the urging of his students to flee, Socrates eventually accepts the charge, dies, and remains in history.

Below are 20 wise words to remember:

• "The only true wisdom is knowing that you know nothing."

• "Life is not worth living if it is not dedicated to a purpose.”

• "There is only one good, knowledge, and one evil, ignorance."

• "I cannot teach anyone anything. I can only teach him to think.”

• "Be kind, every person you meet is fighting a hard battle."

• "Great minds discuss ideas, mediocre minds discuss facts, weak minds discuss others."

• "If you marry a good woman, you will be happy. If you marry a bad woman, you will become a philosopher."

• “If you are not happy with what you have, you will not be happy with what you would like to have.” 

• "Sometimes we build walls not to keep people out, but to see who cares enough to tear them down." 

• "The beginning of wisdom is seeking."

• "To find yourself, you have to think for yourself.”

• "Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.”

• "Know thyself"

• "If you want to change the world, you must first change yourself.”

• "The secret of happiness is not in wanting more, but in developing the ability to be satisfied with as little as possible.”

• "The secret of change is to focus all one's energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”

• "I am neither an Athenian nor a Greek, but a citizen of the world.”

• "Prefer knowledge to wealth, for the one is transitory, the other perpetual.”

• "Understanding the question is half the answer"

• "True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we know about life, ourselves, and the world around us.”

The Acropolis is an example of how to preserve cultural heritage on a worldwide scale, according to UNESCO

The exhibition was based on the findings of the Joint Advisory Mission, which conducted a three-day visit to the archaeological site of the Acropolis between April 27 and 29, 2022.

These experts visited the site and developed a series of discussions with the services responsible for its protection and management and the scientific staff, while they were informed, through the extensive bibliography and articles brought to their attention, about the history of the restorations and the procedures for the protection and management of the archaeological site, as well as about the studies that have been implemented or are in progress on the monuments of the Acropolis.

In the context of their visit, a meeting was also organized with representatives of civil society (such as the National Confederation of People with Disabilities of Greece, the Association of Greek Paralympians, the Greek Section of ICOMOS, etc.), as well as tourism professionals, with which a discussion developed mainly on the issues of access and operation of the archaeological site.

The mission was impressed by the thoroughness, diligence, and extremely high quality work with much attention to detail. Systematic documentation and publication of research and studies, before and after implementation, are carried out and disseminated. The highest academic research on the Acropolis and the science of archeology are closely intertwined with modern archaeological techniques and exemplary pioneering practices, including digitization. The mission concludes that many of these practices could serve as models for heritage conservation efforts worldwide.

What the 70-page report say

The mission resulted in a 70-page report, which is briefly and indicatively summarized as follows:

• The general status of the Outstanding Universal Value of the Monument included in the World Heritage List with the name “Acropolis, Athens” it is excellent and adequately protected. Laws and regulations ensure the protection of the monument and its buffer zone.

• The decision making system ensures that thorough and detailed studies are being prepared before new interventions are approved.

• The management of the monument and the main restoration services, including restoration works, are carried out by the Member State. Therefore, there is close supervision, which ensures that every step of the restoration and maintenance efforts is done systematically.

• The decision-making process for all major restoration and maintenance projects includes specialized scientists and academicswhile it has incorporated procedures of documentation, consultation and dialogue with experts, at national and international level.

• The renewal and widening of the visiting routes, the elevator and the lighting project were implemented all following studies, examination and documentation by ESMA. Subsequently, the proposals were specified by the YSMA and the studies were approved by the YSMA and submitted for the legal opinion to the Central Archaeological Council. The competent EFA of the City of Athens also formulated comments and suggestions on the studies. The restoration studies were additionally presented and discussed at the International Acropolis Meetings. Therefore all studies were implemented after thorough investigation.

96 Hours Living with an Island Tribe (hidden Indonesia)

“Off the beaten path” means different things to different people, but taking our kids to live with the Mentawai island tribe in Indonesia was the most incredible travel experience we’ve had so far. Watch the video below for more!

Bad Eyesight Before Glasses: What Did People Do?

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We also look at how nearsightedness (myopia) appears to be a modern epidemic driven by lifestyle changes. However, if you were one of the few that were nearsighted, it probably would not have impacted your lifestyle as much as it would today.

Mysterious Messages Found In Famous Art

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Day In The Insane Tough Life Of A Roman Slave

Roman slaves were the lowest social class and had no official marriage, legal protection, or ownership rights. Their owners were open to killing and punishing them. Three kinds of slaves were prominent in Roman History, depending on what they did and where they worked. They were private slaves who worked in public and household slaves who worked on villas or large farming lands.

The typical life span for a person to stay in Roman slavery was over 30 years. However, it depended on the time when they became slaves. Some were captured as war soldiers; some were sons of the slaves, and few as criminals for punishment. Whatever the source of slavery was, the life of each roman slave was no less than hell. Let’s dig deeper into how a typical roman slave was forced to spend his day.

A roman slave’s day started before sunrise when they had to wake up before their owner. After that, they helped them dress up and prepare for the day. When the owners left for work after breakfast, then the slaves used to get breakfast opportunities. They were considered cheap and bland, so they were given very little food to eat. The breakfast they ate was exclusively based on grains.

The North Sea Tsunami: Britain’s Deadliest Disaster

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The First Ghost Stories | Dr. Irving Finkel

Learn how the near-universal belief in ghosts goes back to the beginning of time. Discover how the oldest known writing, in cuneiform script on tablets of clay, gives us a full picture of the ancient Mesopotamian ghost experience: who might be expected to be a ghost, how to keep the dead happy in the netherworld, how to banish annoying ghosts that keep appearing and how to summon the dead to come back and disclose the future.

100 Longest Reigning Monarchs in History

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Did ancient Troy really exist?

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Kingdom of Armenia - Between Rome & Parthia - Ancient History Documentary

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500 years before Christopher Columbus, the Vikings inhabited the Americas

The new "New World Order" was upset by the findings.

Christopher Columbus was not the first European to set foot in the New World, hence he also did not "discover" America.

Viking adventurers reportedly arrived in the Americas 500 years before the legendary Italian explorer and navigator set foot here in 1492, according to a recent study.

A recent study found that the famed Italian explorer and navigator arrived in the Americas around 1492, 500 years after the arrival of Viking explorers, according to the journal "Antiquity."

According to the University of Iceland archaeologists who conducted the groundbreaking study, "Journeys were being made from Greenland to North America throughout the entirety of the period of Norse settlement in Greenland," the Times Of London stated.

According to the Daily Mail, researchers reached this shocking conclusion after analysing wood samples from five northern sites in western Greenland that were inhabited between the years 1000 and 1400.

Some of the wood samples analyzed by archaeologists.

After looking at historical documents that revealed the Vikings who occupied Greenland between 985 and 1450 relied on timber and other resources imported from Europe and the Americas, they set out to discover the origin of the lumber.

The string found attached to the beads may have ben produced during the 14th or 15th centuries, according to radiocarbon dating.

Along with driftwood, it was utilized by Scandinavian mariners to build artifacts, boats, and other things for which the local lumber was suitable.

Scientists examined the wood's cellular structure to calculate the percentage of foreign wood and identified some of the trees as hemlock and pine.

Since these plants were not cultivated in Europe throughout the second millennium, specialists believe they were brought over by ship from the New World.

The results supported historical Viking sagas that claimed Nordic explorers like Leif Erickson, who is thought to have been the first European to visit the Americas, brought wood back from Vnland, the Norse designation for the area of North American coastline near the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Vintage illustration of Christopher Columbus on the deck of the Santa Maria in 1492.

Larger-scale implications of the most recent finding included the fact that "resources were being acquired by the Norse from North America for far longer than previously thought."

A 2021 study discovered that wood-cutting samples from Viking lumberjack sites at L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada, date back to 1021 AD.

The findings also supported the theory that various trade routes were created by the Vikings across the Northwest Atlantic possibly 500 years before Christopher Columbus set sail for the New World.

These sky-blue beads may pre-date Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the New World.

These transatlantic journeys may have been made up to just before the start of Europe's formal Age Of Exploration in 1400.

According to the study, "These results highlight the fact that Norse Greenlanders had the ability, knowledge, and suitable vessels to cross the Davis Strait to the east coast of North America, at least up to the 14th century."

Allegory showing Christopher Columbus and his men landing in the West Indies with the discovery of the New World.

According to the study's findings, by "demonstrating the range of timber sources used by the Greenland Norse," researchers were able to show the degree of "connectivity across the medieval North Atlantic world."

It is still unclear how the Greenland civilization vanished. However, a wide range of factors, including the plague and pirate invasions, resource mismanagement, dropping temperatures, and more, have been linked by scholars.